ileocecal

1 9.5

At the place where the small intestine joins the beginning of the large intestine

adjective
/ˌaɪliˈoʊsiːkəl/

Specialized

: ileocecal

The ileocecal region is critical for digestion as it marks the junction between the small and large intestines.
ileocecal valve

Examples

The small intestine, whose primary function is in nutrient digestion and absorption, starts at the pylorus directly downstream of the stomach and terminates at the ileocecal valve.

Academic text (2016)
My ileocecal valve is, uh-- doesn't work as it should.

Flirting with Disaster (1996)
And there's the ileocecal valve which is patent, and it looks fine.

Uncut Gems (2019)
Although the majority of dietary constituents are absorbed in the small intestine, approximately 1.5 L of intestinal fluid passes through the ileocecal valve each day.

Academic text (2016)
Doctors often examine the ileocecal valve when diagnosing digestive issues related to obstruction.
In some cases, conditions affecting the ileocecal area can lead to symptoms like abdominal pain and bloating.

Compounds

ileocecal valve

Specialized

1 8.0

A small muscle that controls flow from the small intestine into the large intestine

Surface Forms

ileocecal positive

ileocecal comparative

ileocecal superlative

Morphology

ileocecal = ileum + cecum (semi-transparent) = ileo + cecal

The meaning is clear to those familiar with medical terminology, but the combining forms 'ileo-' and 'cecal' may not be transparent to general learners.

Etymology

Ileocecal comes from two parts: ileo- from ileum ('part of the small intestine') and -cecal from cecum ('beginning of the large intestine'). So, ileocecal describes the place where the small intestine meets the large intestine.